Which state to visit the gulf of Mexico?

[b*saint]

Does anyone have any input as to which state would be the best to visit the gulf? Mostly for swimming and of course food, but not as important as I am sure there is good gulf food in all the states around the Gulf.

Also calmer waters is better because we'll have a 3 year old and a 1 year old when we go. (Calmer than, say, New England beaches)

[Vedubin01]

Gulf Shores Alabama is very laid back with amazing sugar sand beaches. Pensacola FL is also very nice with a bit more to do and about 1 hour from Gulf Shores. From Pensacola you have Destin and Panama City, seasonal party town. Going the other way you have Boluxi MS. Cleaned up after Andrew and is a gambling town. Not much other there then some history.
IF you are into fishing, some amazing on shore and off shore fishing can be found all over the cost.

Check out the Phoenix Condos if in Gulf Shores. Nice 1 and 2 bedroom condos. Living in Pensacola for a time, check out the T-Docks, McGuires Irish Pub, the Naval museum, Seville Quarters. Desin, is just your typical beach town. Putt putt, good local food, and laid back beaches.

Panama City is the same with a few more young adult activities. Laid back unless its Spring Break. For a young family I would not advise during that time. Hope that helped a bit...

[gkurey]

Florida panhandle in my opinion. The white sand beaches of Pensacola or Destin are simply amazing and considered to be some of the best in the country. Tons of awesome food there as well and many things to do. The more west you go from pensacola the worse the water clarity/sand will get.

[Ryan Stewart]

I love the Florida Panhandle. Like said, Pensacola or Destin. Its relatively cheap to visit but has nice soft sand and much clearer and calmer water compared to anything on the Atlantic.

Its not Caribbean but you can get there and stay cheaply.

[dereliiict]

I live in Pensacola, FWIW it is the only place locally to stay. You can take day trips to Destin and Gulf Shores to experience a little better shopping. Ironically, "Fresh Gulf Seafood" is hard too find. That's why we catch and cook it ourselves. Avoid MS. Plenty of safe activities and a somewhat decent nightlife in out sleepy little fishing village.

[ME30W]

Agreed on the panhandle. I grew up in Miami and always thought we had the nicest beaches, and while our water is a bit clearer, the sand on the gulf coast is by far the best I've ever seen.

[agent]

Another vote for the FL panhandle. The missus and I go to Destin at least a couple of times a year. The 30A/SoWal area is great for families too.

[Roysneon]

Mexico

[Northern]

Cuba is an option as well.

For some of us.

[flyboyx]

florida is the best. destin, pensacola, etc. the beaches are by far the most beautiful of anywhere in the usa. as far as gulf food is concerned. nothing beats new orleans. nothing.

[b*saint]

Okay thanks!

I found out over Christmas break my cousin lives about a half hour from Pensacola. Ill have to get in touch with him.

[ST1G]

Key West.